Planning and Zoning Commission

September 12, 2002

A meeting of the Westminster Planning and Zoning Commission was held in City Hall on the evening of September 12, 2002 at 7:00pm. Members Beaver, Bair, Palmer, and Ferguson; Chairman Wiskeman; Director of Planning and Public Works Beyard; Town Planner Siders; Technical Planner Fisher; City Attorney Walsh; County Planner Moser; and members of the public were present.

On motion of Ms. Bair, seconded by Ms. Palmer, the minutes of June 13, 2002 were approved as amended. On motion of Mr. Ferguson, seconded by Ms. Bair, the minutes of July 11, 2002 were approved as amended. Ms. Palmer abstained from the vote because she did not attend the July 11, 2002 meeting.

Mr. Siders presented Sign Permit Application No. 1102 140 Village Shopping Center. Mr. Siders stated that the applicants would replace the existing 346 square-foot and 138 square-foot signs along MD 140 and MD 97 with the proposed signs. The location of the signage would not change. The two signs would be 190 square feet and 102 square feet, respectively. Mr. Siders stated that staff recommended approval of the application. Ms. Bair asked if any electronic wording is proposed for the signs. Mr. Siders stated that there would be no electronic wording on the signs. On motion of Ms. Bair, seconded by Mr. Ferguson, Sign Permit Application No. 1102 140 Village Shopping Center was approved as presented.

Chairman Wiskeman opened the public hearing regarding Zoning Text Amendment No. 02-2 "Final Plat Approval" at 7:08 p.m. Mr. Siders stated that the proposed amendment would revise Section 164-199(F) of the Charter and Code of the City of Westminster, reducing the maximum number of building permits issued per subdivision from 20 per quarter to 50 per calendar year. Mr. Siders stated that the proposed limit is in conformance with the limits adopted by Carroll County, and simplifies the process. Mr. Beyard stated that this text amendment is part of a series of measures put forth by The Mayor and Common Council to ensure an adequate water supply for the City. There being no public comment, Chairman Wiskeman closed the public hearing on motion of Ms. Bair, seconded by Mr. Ferguson, at 7:14 p.m. On motion of Ms. Palmer, seconded by Mr. Beaver, Zoning Text Amendment No. 02-2 "Final Plat Approval" was forwarded to The Mayor and Common Council with a favorable recommendation.

Mr. Siders introduced Mr. Jack Lyburn, Director of Economic Development for Carroll County, Dr. Art Peck of the Carroll County IDA, and Mr. Randy Bechtel of BPR, Inc to give an informational presentation about the Westminster Technology Park. Mr. Bechtel presented the Commission with a copy of the previously approved 2nd Revised
City of Westminster
Planning and Zoning Commission
September 12, 2002

Preliminary Plan for the Park. Mr. Lyburn stated that the intention is to develop the property into a high-technology employment center with T-1 computer cable lines. Mr. Lyburn stated that infrastructure improvements to the property would be forward funded. Lots would be sold with covenants that restrict the exterior building materials to brick and glass, and the target selling price would be set between $90,000.00 and $100,000.00 per acre. Mr. Lyburn stated that the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development is a fifty-fifty partner with the County IDA in this venture. Mr. Lyburn stated that the IDA would seek to defer construction of an intersection proposed in the plan until the adjacent lots are sold. Mr. Beyard stated that the IDA is reverting back to the original plan with this proposal, and that questions of phasing are primarily the issues to be addressed. Dr. Peck noted that the number of proposed lots had been reduced from ten to six. Mr. Lyburn stated that total buildout would occur at approximately 750,000 square feet. He added that the developers for this project desire a park-like setting with a significant amount of greenspace. Mr. Ferguson asked if traffic control measures had been considered at this phase of the development process. Mr. Lyburn replied that the IDA had retained The Traffic Group and is working with other stakeholders in the area to devise a suitable transportation plan for the MD 97 North corridor. Mr. Bechtel stated that a separate site plan for each lot will come before the Planning and Zoning Commission for its review.

Mr. Fisher stated that the annual Maryland Citizen Planners Association conference will be held on October 10th and 11th in Easton, MD. Mr. Fisher stated that any Commission member who would like to attend should contact him for registration.

Mr. Siders stated that the City of Westminster will be hosting an intensive urban design charrette to develop a plan for the MD Route 27 gateway corridor downtown. The charrette will take place from September 17th through the 20th, and offers several opportunities for public input. Mr. Siders invited the Planning and Zoning Commission to attend the various events.

Mr. Beyard stated that a delegation from Paide, Estonia will be visiting the City during Fallfest week, attending various area events and touring City facilities.

On motion of Mr. Ferguson, seconded by Ms. Bair, the meeting was adjourned at 7:55 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,

ERIK FISHER
Secretary